Mercury Drug: #Giveback by donating medical supplies to the victims of Typhoon Pablo

Anyone would shed a tear after watching this video. These children, spared by the typhoon, are now struggling to survive - but their lives could be saved with access to the right medical supplies.

This is why I started a campaign calling on Mercury Drug, the largest drug store chain in the country, to give back. I was so impressed after Typhoon Ondoy when they coordinated volunteer doctors to treat typhoon victims and distributed free medicines, and I believe they can do it again.

According to UNICEF, there are about 2.3 million children affected by the typhoon. Doctors say they need water purification tablets, anti-tetanus vaccines, antibiotics, bandages, betadine and medicines for diarrhea and other common illnesses. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) would welcome a donation from Mercury Drug and distribute supplies.

I was pleased to learn that on Dec. 6, the Pharmaceutical and Heathcare Association of the Philippines donated P4.9M worth of essential medicines to the victims of Typhoon Pablo. Mercury Drug is a member of the association, and I congratulate them on this first step. But more than a week later, this distressing news report showed me they need to do more.

ABS-CBN’s Chiara Zambrano is only giving us a glimpse of Cateel and Baganga. I am sure there are more heartbreaking stories like this in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley that are ravaged by the typhoon.

In the face of this severe devastation, it is the children who are most vulnerable to sickness and infection.

I know that if Pinoys, especially all the Mercury Drug ‘suki’ all over the country, join and sign my petition, Mercury Drug can be a hero again to these children at risk.

To everyone, I hope your signature would also serve as a pledge that you will check your medicine box or cabinet and donate what you can to the victims of Typhoon Pablo. Bring it to your barangay center, church or to the nearest office of DSWD or Red Cross.

If you want to do good for your country, do the right thing. A simple signature will inspire your friends to do the same and will go a long way. The faster we do this, the more lives we are going to save.

Letter to

Mercury Drug Foundation PresidentVivian Que Azcona

Give back by donating medicines and medical supplies to the victims of Typhoon Pablo